In a surprising turn of events, the Portland Timbers and defender Larrys Mabiala have announced that they have mutually parted ways, bringing an end to a seven-year tenure that saw Mabiala become a mainstay in the Timbers’ defense.
Mabiala, who joined Portland midway through the 2017 season from Turkish Super League side Kayserispor, quickly established himself as a key figure in the Timbers lineup. In fact, in Portland’s regular-season history, he ranks sixth in minutes played with an impressive tally of 11,438 minutes.
Reflecting on his time with the club, Mabiala expressed his gratitude towards the city of Portland and the passionate Timbers Army. “It’s been an amazing seven years here. I didn’t know what to expect when I first came here, but I was instantly surprised by how good the people of Portland are,” Mabiala said. “The Timbers Army are always there to give us that extra energy we need playing in front of them. They are truly one of a kind and, for me, one of the biggest things that I will take out from this experience.”
The decision to part ways was a mutual one, with both the club and player seemingly opting for a fresh start. While it marks the end of an era for Mabiala in Portland, the defender leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten by Timbers fans.
As speculation mounts over Mabiala’s next destination, one thing is for certain – his time in Portland has left an indelible mark on both the club and the city. Time will tell where Mabiala’s journey takes him next, but one thing is certain – his impact on the Timbers will not soon be forgotten.
